Using the Ignatian Examen in Community to Encourage Spiritual Transformation

Abstract

The purpose of this portfolio was to bring together three years of work, showing certain thematic connections among the papers. As indicated in the title, the major focus was spiritual transformation, and each paper discussed some aspect of this. During the research and writing, the author learned that spiritual transformation happens to an individual in community. The importance of individual growth and growth in community was evident in the author’s spiritual autobiography in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 discussed models of spiritual formation, showing connections and common threads among several types, with a focus on Celtic spirituality, which is noted for its emphasis on community. The research which was conducted during the project as discussed in Chapter 4 also showed how one needs community in order to deepen one’s relationship with God. The research took place over a period of several months, and involved the author’s directees practicing the Ignatian examen during this time. Each month, the author met with the participants to discuss the results of practicing this discipline. In addition, the participants journaled about their experience, and the results formed the basis for the discussions. It was determined that, while one is ultimately responsible for one’s spiritual growth, it may be more easily achieved by practicing the examen and by discussing it with a spiritual director. This shows that the individual needs community—even if it is only a community of one other person—in order to facilitate spiritual transformation.